Kodagu Zone Chief Conservator of Forest Jagmohan Sharma has submitted a report to the State government that permission should not be given to proposed Ezhimal-Bengaluru inter-state road which would pass through Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
The proposed project (Ezhimal- Vellur- Padiyottuchal- Cherupuzha-Pulingome-Talacauvery) would pass through Mundrotu- Talacauvery- Bhagamandala, which is a part of the wildlife sanctuary known for biological diversity.
The officer, in his letter to the government on September 2, has said that the region is part of the Western Ghats, with evergreen forests and grasslands. The road construction, allowing public intervention would adversely affect the wildlife, and the government should reject the proposal of the Kerala government, the letter states.
Madikeri Division Deputy Conservator of Forest Shivashankar also opined the same. The road from Mundrotu to Talacauvery comes under Padinaalku Naadu reserve forest, where there is a rough stretch with a width of 7 to 10 feet.
To convert it as an inter-state road, it should be widened. In many places, new roads will have to be constructed between the mountains. It would impact the wildlife. Also, theft of trees would increase, the DCF has mentioned.
There is an alternative road to the proposed road already between Bhagamandala- Karike- Mundrotu. However, the only problem was that commuters would have to travel 39 km more than the proposed plan. Just to cut the distance, it was not fair to construct an inter-state road, which would cause danger to the ecology, he has opined.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shivashankar said that the report was submitted by DCF Hanumanthappa to the government before his transfer from the district.
DH News Service
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanta Kallammanavar / Madikeri – DHNS, December 08th, 2014
Mercara Downs Golf Club, one of India’s oldest, turns 100
In full swing: Golfers flock to the Mercara Downs Golf Club on weekends. Photo by Bhanu Prakash Chandra
Caddies have it hard at Mercara Downs Golf Club. Spread over 102 acres, its course has water hazards and hillocks and is ringed by woods. Golfers flock here on weekends. Some are on the course at the crack of dawn.
For Ganesh Mahendra, a planter from Coorg, a round of golf in the afternoon is absolutely sacred. “It is a great way to unwind after a long day in the plantation,” says the 37-year-old who cultivates black pepper, cardamom and coffee on his 120-acre estate at Suntikoppa.
Mercara Downs Golf Club
Located in Coorg, the Scotland of India, Mercara Downs is shrouded in mist on most winter evenings. A veil of nostalgia, too, hangs over the place; it is gearing up for its centennial celebrations.
I.K. Anil
At a hillock near the club house, we meet I.K. Anil, 63, captain of the club. “During the colonial period, only the British could play golf,” he says. “Indians were not allowed, as the club was run by the British and it was their choice who they should have. Later on, a few Indians were taken to the club and were allowed to play. But, they were just less than 10 per cent.” There used to be inter-club tournaments with the Belur Golf Club and the Tata Coffee Golf Club. “We have had expats coming here and saying ‘My grandfather used to play golf here’,” he says.
Anil shows us a tree which used to have a thatched hut under it, where the Brits would party. “We did not have a club house then,” he says, adjusting his hat. Mercara Downs was just nine holes on 30 acres during the British period. “It was all browns then. Now, we have lovely greens,” says Anil. And, 18 holes.
Keeping the course green is a challenge. “It has to be irrigated inch to inch, which is a big constraint in cities,” Anil says. “Luckily, we are blessed with plenty of water. Once the northeast monsoon stops, we start irrigating.”
Harish Appanna finds the greens a real treat to the eyes. He comes to the course thrice a week. His estate is in Chettalli, 20km from Mercara. A hockey player, Appanna took to golf easily. “I took coaching for a week,” he says. “Then I would come here and practise every day. Now, I love golf more than hockey.” The 57-year-old is secretary of Mercara Downs.
Roy Chengappa, 59, loves hanging out on the course with friends. “It helps me connect with nature,” says Chengappa. He shows us a lapwing perched on the course: “These birds lay eggs among pebbles, to keep them safe from predators like foxes.” The lapwing appears on the club logo, too.
A coffee planter, Chengappa never used to play golf earlier. “One day, I just came here and hit the ball. It felt great. Then I became a member,” he says. Now, he plays once a week. “It is an intelligent game,” he says. “You have to hit a stationary ball. It involves a lot of science, especially physics and mechanics, as well as physical and mental abilities.”
Golf is for gentlemen, says Anil who has been playing for the last 35 years. “It is the toughest to play, but the easiest to cheat,” he says. “If the ball goes into a depression, one can take it out without anyone seeing it. We are trying to inculcate certain values in youngsters.”
Mercara Downs will soon be a hot destination for golfers from abroad. “We have a helipad here. A few days from now, Japanese tourists will come here looking at business opportunities,” says Anil. “It is easy to get outstation golfers. In the US they do not have many public golf courses. In Japan, one has to wait years for a round of golf, leave alone membership.”
Outstation golfers can buy a lifetime membership in Mercara Downs for Rs3.5 lakh. For local players it is Rs1.3 lakh, as the club wants to have more regulars around.
Mercara Downs has helped a lot of aspiring golfers take up the game. Two years ago, Mahendra had a hole-in-one. “My first shot on the 11th hole went in phadaak,” recalls Mahendra. The odds of an average golfer hitting a hole-in-one are 12,000:1. He was thrilled and threw a party; the bill came to Rs22,000. The next time he was playing, he hit a shot which rolled close to the hole. “I prayed, ‘God, let this not get in’. I was worried about losing money again!” says Mahendra, who played in the Valentine Team Amateur Golf Challenge in Bangkok.
Ace golfer Trishul Chinnappa, 21, says Mercara Downs is an “out-of-the-world place”. “The sand traps make the course more challenging,” he says. “Similarly, the elevation has an effect on the way you play. You need to use a lot of skill and get creative while playing in Mercara Downs.”
Golf has become quite popular in Coorg. Other courses are at the Tata Coffee Golf Club at Pollibetta and the Coorg Golf Links at Bittangala. Chinnappa was five when he took up the game. “Back then I used to be the only kid in Coorg playing golf,” he says. “But, today I see a lot of youngsters taking up the game. It is indeed good for the sport in our community.”
Chinnappa and other distinguished sportspersons from Coorg district will be honoured at the Mercara Downs centenary celebrations on December 12 and 13. The evenings of glitz and glamour will have live music performances and a fashion show by designer Prasad Bidapa.
source: http://www.week.manoramaonline.com / The Week / Home> Sports / by Mini P. Thomas / Monday – December 08th, 2014
The 13th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and Huthri get-together of Sri Igguthappa Kodava Welfare Association, Hebbal will be held on Dec. 21 at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar from 9.30 am onwards.
Dr. Kodira A. Kushalappa, Retd. Forest Officer will be the chief guest.
Chodumada K. Karumbaiah, Ex-Army, Master OCM, Kudremukh Iron Co. Ltd. will be the guest of honour.
Assn. President Machimada P. Nanaiah will preside.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Brief / December 19th, 2014
The December party scene is on in full swing and more and more musical events are keeping Ahmedabad on its toes.
Nikhil Chinapa
On December 13, Amdavadis got a healthy dose of EDM as one of the most popular artists Nikhil Chinapa came down to the city as part of Moon Mantra, an EDM evening. Alongwith Dual Drama’s scintillating performance, Nikhil Chinapa had Amdavadis on their feet this Saturday.
A number of young enthusiastics came to the event dressed in their designer best. People were seen recording videos and clicking a number of selfies with their friends.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Gujarati> Music / Ano Patel, TNN / December 15th, 2014
Amardip Sinh Malik of Greater Noida clinched his maiden title at the Rs. 40 lakh PGTI Noida Masters after a playoff win against Md Zamal Hossain Mollah of Bangladesh at the Noida Golf Course. Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore won the Super Series title to earn a bonus prize of Rs. 30 lakh after ending top of the table at the seventh and final Super Series event of 2014.
Amardip Sinh Malik (70-67-70-78) and Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (72-69-73-71) ended the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of three-under-285 and thus proceeded for the playoff on the 18th hole. Malik sealed it with a par on the first playoff hole even as Zamal dropped a bogey. While Malik was two on the green and two-putted for par, Zamal found the green in four shots after landing it in the bunker.
The 29-year-old Amardip Sinh Malik, the overnight leader by four shots, seemed to be losing grip of the match as he made four bogeys and a double-bogey on the first 14 holes to be six-over for the day. He then made two birdies and two bogeys on the last four holes to end the day with a six-over-78. Malik was a picture of grit and determination in the playoff as he wrapped it up with a five-feet par putt.
Amardip, who climbed from 49th place to 23rd place in the Rolex Rankings after his win on Friday, said, “I’m delighted to post my first win. I’ve come close to winning on quite a few occasions in the past. But it was great to finally cross the line. I had a forgettable fourth round as I missed a lot of short putts and found myself in tough situations. However, I hung in there with two birdies towards the end. My perseverance paid off in the playoff. This win has boosted my confidence for the last two events of the season.”
Md Zamal Hossain Mollah mixed three birdies with two bogeys in his final round of one-under-71 before losing out in the playoff.
Noida’s Vikrant Chopra shot a final round of even-par-72 to finish third at two-under-286.
Chikkarangappa became the Super Series champion after finishing tied fourth at one-under-287. He fired a 71 in the final round on Friday. Chikka, a winner of two Super Series events in 2014, ended on top of the Super Series Points Table with a total of 3837.61 to earn the bonus prize of Rs. 30 lakh. The 21-year-old also continues to lead the Rolex Rankings with earnings of Rs. 36,89,711.
Kapil Kumar of Delhi and Mukesh Kumar of Mhow shared fourth place with Chikkarangappa.
Delhi’s Rashid Khan, who finished tied 12th at Noida at three-over-291, claimed second place with 3394 points.
Amardip Sinh Malik finished third in the Super Series with 2252.19 points.
source: http://www.indiansportsnews.com / Indian Sports News / Home> Golf / Monday – December 15th, 2014
The Karnataka State Cricket Association will build an indoor cricket academy in Madikeri, Kodagu district. This was revealed to TOI by KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel during his visit to the district on Saturday.
“The KSCA is interested in encouraging talent in rural areas. The estimated budget for the project is likely to be between Rs 15-20 crore. We are also on the lookout for 15 to 20 acres of land for the academy. We have discussed the idea with the deputy commissioner and he has promised to help us. The KSCA will take the land on lease or even to purchase if it is available at a nominal price,” Patel added.
According to Patel, the academy will have an indoor facility to ensure that training goes on during monsoon. “Aspirants up to the age of 23 are eligible for coaching and can use the dormitory facilities,” Patel said.
KSCA have grounds at Hubballi, Belagavi, Raichur, Shivamogga, Mysuru and Mangaluru.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports / by Sunil Subbaiah / December 14th, 2014
Fr Louis Noronha celebrated his sacerdotal golden jubilee on December 2 in Mysuru.
Thanks giving mass was held at St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Mysuru. Dr Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishope of Mysuru and around 80 priests including the native priests, namely Fr Joseph Aloysius D’Mello, Fr John Francis Texeira, Fr Leslie Vernon Moras, Fr Michael Gonsalves, Fr Edaward William Saldanha, Fr Michael Menezes SMM, Fr Richard Britto, Fr Ronald Dhanthi, Fr Melwin Lobo SJ were present for the Eucharistic celebrations. There were hundreds of nuns and around 1000 people who took part in the thanks giving mass.
After the Holy Eucharist, there was short felicitation program for Fr Louis Noronha and to Bishop Vazhapilly who was also ordained on the same day. All the priests, nuns and faithful took part in the programme and wished Fr. Louis Noronha long life, good health, peace and happiness.
All the Parish council members and the 21 Religious houses belonging to St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Antony Fernandes and John William D’Souza and their families worked hard for the success of golden jubilee celebrations.
Fr Noronha born on December 17,1938 is the son Joseph Noronha and Benedicta D’Souza in Kedamullur in Virajpet, which is called the cradle of religious vocations. He did his schooling at Kedamullur, then in St. Anne’s school, Virajpet and finished his 10th from the government high school Virajpet. In 1956 he joined St. Mary’s minor seminary, Mysuru and in 1958 he went to St. Peter’s Seminary, Begaluru, to do his philosophy and Theology studies. In the august presence of Pope Paul IV on December 2nd, 1964 Fr. Louis Noronha was ordained as priest during 38th International Eucharistic Congress at Oval Maidan, Bombay.
For the last 50 years Fr Noronha has worked in the diocese of Mysuru, being parish priest of different parishes in Coorg deanery, in Hunusur deanery, Kollegal deanery and in Mysuru deanery. He was also the Rector of St. Mary’s minor seminary for seven years.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / Media Release / Mysuru – December 04th, 2014
Model Zulfi Syed, who was in Indore recently to participate in a private event, spoke to HT about Bigg Boss, his plans to start a modelling academy and more. Here are excerpts from an interview.
Model and actor Zulfi Syed visited Indore recently to participate in a private event. (Shankar Mourya/HT photo)
You have been a part of reality show Bigg Boss. What do you have to say about the ongoing season of the show?
I find the format a bit different now. Our season was more or less based on an international format. Now there is more contact with the outside world and even the number of wildcard entries have gone up. The audiences have better access to housemates as they can talk to them over phone. This wasn’t possible when Bigg Boss started initially.
We heard you are planning to start a modelling academy. Is that true?
I am starting an academy for people who want to get into modelling. There are hardly any schools to mentor aspiring models in India. I am planning to open such a school. We would be visiting cities like Indore and Bhopal and hold workshops for aspiring models. I have a team of experts which includes models like Rahul Dev, Alisia Raut, Praveen Sirohi, Amrita Patki, Shahwar Ali and Aanchal Kumar to guide them. There will be a makeup artist and a fitness trainer. Shakir Sheikh would be imparting training in choreography. We will train them on how to walk the ramp among other things. We will be doing portfolio shoots and if they have potential, we will handle their work in Mumbai. The institute would be called Smoke and we plan to start the project by February, 2015.
What inspired you to start such an institute?
I have been a part of the modelling industry for several years. I felt the need for such an institute. There are a lot of people who come from small towns to Mumbai and they don’t know where to start if they want to become a model.
Many male models have gone missing from the industry.
There is obviously more work for girls. Designers for women have increased in the recent past. Even a lot of male designers have ventured into creating outfits for women. The industry was always ruled by women and I think it will be this way.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am working on a Bulgarian venture which contains a mix of Indian as well as Bulgarian actors. Portions of the film will be shot in Bulgaria. It’s an action-thriller movie. I can’t talk much about it right now.
Which designer’s outfits do you prefer wearing?
I follow a lot of designers. Of late, a lot of interesting names have crept in the market. I like Asif Shah from Indore for his style of suits. Rohit Bal is really good. I also admire Ravi Bajaj, Suneet Verma and Manish Malhotra.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India-News> Indore / by Husain Malvi, Hindustan Times / Indore – November 29th, 2014
With its postcard-perfect settings, pleasant climes and green environs, Kodagu is a dream destination for holiday goers. No wonder then that the ‘Scotland of India’ is seeing an influx of visitors. While the average number of tourists hovers around 25 lakh a year, this year may spring a surprise. “The number may cross 35 lakh,” says V Paneesh, assistant director of the tourism department.
The department itself is taken aback at this unprecedented footfall and interest in the hilly district. For, the infrastructural facilities in Kodagu provided by the government are no match for the flood of tourists. But the growing number of home stays set up by locals has somewhat offset the government’s apathy. While 249 home stays are registered, a recent drive by the administration to persuade more home stay owners to legalize their business has upped the number to 477. In addition, there are more than unregistered 1,500 home stays doing brisk business. Vinitha Karumbaiah, secretary of the Kodagu Home Stay Association, said this year saw heavy tourist rush during October.
While tourists rave about the scenic splendours of Kodagu, they wish more attention is paid to infrastructure too. Home stays should be regulated to avoid exploitation of visitors, says Pallavi Abhishek Majumdar, a tourist from north India staying in a Madikeri home stay. Regular buses should be arranged for tourists with guides to visit the spots, she adds.
KSTDC MD P S Harsha says the department has commenced trial bus trips from Madikeri to Abby Falls and Talacauvery and assured to introduce more buses to other tourist spots depending on the demand.
Why kodagu beckons?
What makes Kodagu attractive for tourists is that it has something for everyone, be it adventure tourism, temples, historical places or wildlife parks. Some of the popular spots include Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Abbey Falls, Madikeri fort, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara temple, Nalaknad fort and Chelavara Falls near Napoklu, Dubare elephant camp and river rafting centre, Nisargadhama, golden temple at the nearby Tibetan settlement, Irpu Falls and Nagarhole National Park in South Kodagu, Mallalli Falls and Pushpagiri hills in Somwarpet taluk.
Tourists set to multiply
Tourist inflow to Kodagu is bound to multiply in the coming years for various reasons. As it shares the border with Kerala and is landlocked by coastal Dakshina Kannada district and Hassan and Mysuru cities, it’s a hop-over destination for many. That other historic and tourist-driven cities like Mysuru and Hassan are within reach makes it even attractive.
The commissioning of international airport in Kerala’s Kannur, 95 km from Madikeri, is also expected to boost tourism here. “Once this airport gets commissioned in mid 2016, tourist numbers will rise drastically,” says Paneesh, adding that tourists who fly in now have to come via Bengaluru or Mangaluru, which are far from Kodagu.
However, tour organizers and home stay owners feel the department should work out a comprehensive plan to manage the crowd of visitors as they foresee problems in waste disposal, transport and infrastructure apart from civic and administrative hassles. They also want the government to encourage resorts and home stays and ease laws to cope with the increasing tourist inflow.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysuru / TNN / November 29th, 2014
The centenary celebrations of Mercara Downs Golf Club (MDGC) will be held on Dec. 12 & 13. The club is also organising ‘MDGC Centenary Cup’ Golf Tournament sponsored by Cycle Pure Agarbathies.
Addressing the press persons, MDGC Captain I.K. Anil said that around 200 golfers from South India would be participating in the tournament. Along with the Centenary Cup Golf Tournament, Stroke Play Championship for Sakamuri Open Cup and NR Group Rolling Trophy will be held and the winners will take away a total cash prize of Rs. Four lakh.
Along with Cycle Pure Agarbathies, Murugappa Groups, Muliya Jewellery, SLN Group, URS Cars, Tata Motors, Vivanta by Taj, Fort Mercara, Epson, Indian Overseas Bank and Travancore Coffee Company have sponsored the tournament. A part of the money generated through sponsorship will be donated to Opportunity School of Kodagu Vidyalaya.
Logo Unveiled: Cycle Pure Agarabathies Managing Partner Arjun Ranga unveiled the logo of the Centenary Cup Golf Tournament. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the company had been supporting golf since many years.
MDGC Secretary Harish Appanna, M.A. Ponnacha and Kumar Appacchu also were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Wednesday – December 10th, 2014
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
